Exporters in Jammu and Kashmir are encountering significant challenges in accessing preferential tariff benefits under the India-Oman CEPA agreement. The main obstacle is the difficulty in obtaining certificates of origin, a crucial document required to qualify for the reduced rates. These certificates, which verify the product's origin, are essential for businesses to benefit from the trade agreement.
The process for obtaining these certificates has proven to be cumbersome and time-consuming. Industry representatives have reported delays and inconsistencies in the documentation process, which hinder their ability to fully utilize the agreement's advantages. This issue has raised concerns among local exporters, who argue that the procedural hurdles are undermining the potential economic benefits of the CEPA.
Without timely access to these certificates, businesses face financial losses and reduced competitiveness in the Omani market. The situation highlights the need for streamlined procedures and clearer guidelines to ensure that the CEPA's intended benefits are effectively realized. Until these issues are resolved, the impact of the agreement on J&K's export sector remains limited.
